Abstract

Background

Electrospinning is a non-mechanical processing strategy that can be used to process
a variety of native and synthetic polymers into highly porous materials composed of
nano-scale to micron-scale diameter fibers. By nature, electrospun materials exhibit
an extensive surface area and highly interconnected pore spaces. In this study we
adopted a biological engineering approach to ask how the specific unique advantages
of the electrospinning process might be exploited to produce a new class of research/diagnostic
tools.

Methods

The electrospinning properties of nitrocellulose, charged nylon and blends of these
materials are characterized.

Conclusion

The flexibility afforded by electrospinning process makes it possible to tailor blotting
membranes to specific applications. Electrospinning has a variety of potential applications
in the clinical diagnostic field of use.